About the Book
Title: Return of the King’s Ranger
Series Info: Hearts at War, Book 4
Author: Angela K. Couch
Genre: Historical Romance
Book Info: White Rose Publishing/Pelican Book Group, August 23, 2019, 213 pages
Tag Line:
The war was over…for everyone but him.
Blurb:
The war for American freedom is over, and the British have gone back to England. Not knowing what has become of his family since he was forced into the Continental Army nine years earlier, Myles Cunningham wants to go home as well. He returns to the Mohawk Valley with the understanding that he is believed to have been shot for deserting—fiction that might be made real if anyone recognizes him as the son of a Tory and a King’s Ranger.
Everything is wonderful in the growing community along the Mohawk River, except Nora Reid is still alone. With her brother happily settled and both her younger sisters starting families of their own, Nora feels the weight of her twenty-four years. A long walk leads her to the overgrown rubble of the Cunningham homestead where a bearded stranger begins to awaken feelings she’d lost hope of ever experiencing.
With secrets abounding—including whether Myles even cares for her—Nora must determine what she is ready to give up and how far she will go to secure his affections. She begins to break through his defenses, but Myles can’t risk staying.
Not if he loves her.
My Thoughts
Frequent readers of Romancing History will be familiar with my dear friend, and fellow author, Angela K. Couch. It is no secret that I’m a huge fan of Angela’s books. Her newest release, also the last in the Hearts at War series (insert sad emoji here), The Return of the King’s Ranger, lived up to all my expectations!
Set in post-Revolutionary War New York, The Return of the King’s Ranger finds the elusive Myles Cunningham in search of his younger siblings. Being a loyalist, he keeps his true identity hidden from everyone, including the beautiful Nora Reid. Nora is convinced that at 24 she’s missed her chance at love but when she meets Myles, she believes he may be just the man for her. As Myles is drawn toward Nora, he fears his secrets will bring dangerous repercussions upon her and his family.
Myles is a complicated hero. I love that Couch walks a thin line with this character. He is broody and stands on the wrong side of history, but his inner struggle with ghosts from his past elicit sympathy from the reader and make you root for him to overcome his demons with Nora’s steadfast kindness and understanding.
The romantic tension between Myles and Nora is palpable. Couch really upped the ante in this installment of the series. My gut twisted wondering how she would bring these two protagonists together when so many obstacles stand in their way.
One of my favorite things about Couch’s writing is her beautiful descriptive prose. She has a gift for transporting the reader back in time. Infused with historical details, The Return of the King’s Ranger has settings so real you can not only see the Reid farm, but smell the musty hay and hear the horses hooves clop on the dusty roads.
The Return of the King’s Ranger is a strong finale to this amazing Revolutionary War series that I strongly recommend.
I’m thrilled to give this book five stars.
Spiritual Takeaway
Forgiveness is the major theme that stands out to me in The Return of the King’s Ranger. Anger rages in Myles over the war and its effects on him and his family. His inability to make peace with the past leads to terrible unrest and nightmares and nearly costs him the woman he loves. His journey to find peace reminds us that unchecked resentment hardens the heart and makes the soul bitter. No matter how wrong one has been treated, Christ calls us to forgive as He has forgiven us.
Purchase Links
Other Books in the Series: (Blurb, Tag, Cover, Purchase Links)
The Scarlet Coat, Hearts at War, Book #1
Surrounded by the musket fire of the American Revolution, Rachel Garnet prays for her family to be safe. When the British invade the Mohawk Valley and her father and brother don’t return from the battle, she goes in pursuit of them. She finds her brother alive but her father has been killed at the hand of the enemy. Amidst the death, how can she ignore a cry for help? Rachel reluctantly takes in a badly wounded British officer. But how long can her sense of Christian duty repress her hatred for his scarlet coat?
Passages of Scripture and fleeting images of society are all Andrew Wyndham recalls after he awakens to the log walls of his gentle prison. Even his name eludes him. Rachel Garnet insists he is a captain in the British army. He mourns the loss of his memory, but how can he hope to remember war when his “enemy” is capturing his heart? Andrew’s injuries are severe, his memory slow to return, and the secret of his existence too perilous to ignore.
As Rachel nurses him back to health, his hidden scarlet coat threatens to expose the deeds of her merciful heart, and Andrew is forced to face a harrowing decision—stay hidden and risk losing the woman he loves or turn himself in and risk losing his life.
The Patriot & the Loyalist, Hearts at War (Book #2)
Completing his three years in the Continental Army, Daniel Reid still has no desire to return home—not after losing the woman he loves to a British Captain—so he volunteers to ride south through enemy lines and deliver a message to Colonel Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. With his temper needing a release and a dark haired beauty finding her way into his broken heart, Daniel decides to join the Swamp Fox’s efforts against the British. Little does he know the British still have the upper hand.
Lydia Reynolds has learned that love comes at a price, and she refuses to pay. Better to close her heart to everything and everyone. When her brother-in-law won’t grant her passage to England, where she hopes to hide from her pain, New Englander, Daniel Reid, becomes her only hope—if she can induce him to give her information about the notorious Swamp Fox and his troops. When the British grow impatient and Daniel evades her questions, Lydia must decide how far to take her charade. The poor man, already gutted by love, hasn’t grown as wise as she. Or so she supposes…
Until the truth is known, the muskets are loaded…and it is time to decide where true loyalties lie.
The Tory’s Daughter, Hearts at War (Book #3)
Burying his wife is the hardest thing Joseph Garnet has ever done—until he’s called to leave his young son and baby daughter to fight Iroquois raiders. When one of the marauders tries to steal his horse, the last thing he expects is to end up tussling with a female. The girl is wounded, leaving Joseph little choice but to haul her home to heal—an act that seems all too familiar.
Though Joseph doesn’t appear to remember her, Hannah Cunningham could never forget him. He rode with the mob that forced her two brothers into the Continental Army and drove her family from their home—all because of her father’s loyalties to The Crown. After five years with her mother’s tribe, the rebels and starvation have left her nothing but the driving need to find her brothers. Compelled by a secret he’s held for far too long, Joseph agrees to help Hannah find what remains of her family. Though she begins to steal into his aching heart, he knows the truth will forever stand between them.
Some things cannot be forgiven.
About the Author
To keep from freezing in the Great White North, Angela K. Couch cuddles under quilts with her laptop. Winning short story contests, being a semi-finalist in ACFW’s Genesis Contest, and a finalist in the International Digital Awards also helped warm her up. As a passionate believer in Christ, her faith permeates the stories she tells. Her martial arts training, experience with horses, and appreciation for good romance sneak in there, as well. When not writing, she stays fit (and warm) by chasing after three munchkins.
Connect with Angela:
Website Facebook Twitter GoodReads BookBub Instagram Amazon
Giveaway
****This Giveway is now closed. Congratulations to our winner, Melissa S!****
Angela is generously giving away one Kindle copy of The Return of the King’s Ranger. But I love this series so much, I’m going to add in books #1-3! That’s right, one lucky winner will receive a Kindle copy of each book in Angela’s Hearts at War series!*
Angela’s tag line is “making history and fiction fall in love.” To be entered to win this prize package, let us know in the comments which historical period is your favorite setting for a good old-fashioned love story.
Good luck!
Janice Moore
Every historical period is appealing and ripe for romance, to me!
The five star rating is high praise. Thanks for a great and generous giveaway!
romancinghistory
Hi Janice, Welcome to Romancing History! I think you’ll find Angela’s Revolutionary War series to be ripe with romance, action and rich in historical detail. Good luck in the drawing!
Natalya Lakhno
Isn’t every period good for love? LOL
I enjoy 1800s 😉
romancinghistory
Hi Natalya, What a lovely spelling of your name! Loved your comment “isn’t every period good for love.” Hahaha! I couldn’t agree more! You’re a girl after my own heart! Good luck in the give away!
Stacey Ulferts
The Civil War. I have loved reading about it since I was a little girl.
romancinghistory
Hi Stacey, Thanks for visiting Romancing History today. As hard as it is to pick just one time period as a favorite, I’d have to pick the Civil War as well. What is your favorite Civl War novel?
BJM
I like a good story, and I like all the history. I’ve probably read more Regency romances lately.
romancinghistory
Hi Bonnie, me too! Regency is a favorite. Its so much fun and has a some really great terms that are era-specific like “the ton.” Thanks for stopping by!
Priscila Perales
Any! As long as it’s clean, I’ll read anything, from Medieval to Western to Regency and more!
Congrats to the author on her new book, and thank you for the chance!
romancinghistory
Hi Priscila, Thanks for visiting Romancing History. I’ll read any time period as well. I haven’t read as much medieval or even Biblical, but I do enjoy it!
Carmen
I have a fondness for the Regency period, but I’m beginning to love WWII era.
romancinghistory
Hi Carmen, I love WW2 as well. Sarah Sundin is a new favorite of mine for that era. Good luck in the drawing!
debra Lindquist
My favorite eras are Civil War and post war. I love regency, too. Really, I love reading about all eras!
Thank you for offering this series – hoping to win!
romancinghistory
Hi Debra, Welcome to Romancing History. The Civil War is probably my favorite if I have to choose just one. I’m currently working on Civil War series set in Virginia. Good luck in the drawing.
Nancy M
I don’t have a time period that’s my favorite. I enjoy well written stories. I do love learning history through well-written stories though. And throwing in a little romance isn’t a terrible thing either. 🙂
romancinghistory
Hi Nancy, I’m with you on both counts. Its fun to learn new terms like “stays,” and “reticule.” And, I’m partial to a good romance as well.
Brenda Murphree
My favorite is Civil War but I love all time periods. If it’s a good book I want to read it no matter the time period.
Angela K. Couch
I must admit I am a fan of Civil War era as well. In fact, my next novella will release in the spring and is set at the start of that war. Keep your eye out for Blacksmith Brides!
romancinghistory
Hi Brenda, I agree about a well-written book. Though I prefer historical romance to any other genre, I’ll read just about anything if its a story well-told and recommended by a friend! Good luck in the drawing.
Teresa
I love all periods in history! Each has its own culture, challenges, heroes, heroines… So much to find interesting and to learn from! I haven’t read any of these books yet, but they each sound wonderful! Thank you for this contest.
romancinghistory
Hi Teresa, You’re welcome! I learned a lot about the Revolutionary War in New York state from these books and Angela is Canadian! She did wonderful research! Good luck in the giveaway!
Teri DiVincenzo
Any time in history is a good time for love, but I’m super fascinated with WWII. I also love the Revolutionary War period, and don’t read nearly enough from those years. The books sound amazing, and thanks so much for the awesome giveaway!
Terirose22 (at) hotmail (dot) com
romancinghistory
Hi Teri, If you’re partial to stories set in the Revolutionary War, I think you’ll love these! Good luck in the drawing!
Pam K.
My favorite historical time period is mid 1800’s to early 1900’s, but I read about many others also. I do find the Revolutionary War time period of interest too. Thanks for this giveaway. This sounds like a very interesting series.
romancinghistory
Hi Pam, I’m with you, I have to choose just one time period that’s the one I’d choose. But, I’m glad I don’t have to in real life (LOL)! This is a wonderful series and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! Good luck in the givewawy!
Robin in NC
Goodness, I love them all! The challenges of the old west, the beauty of the Antebellum era, the sad reality of the Civil War era, the comradery during the World Wars.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful giveaway!
romancinghistory
Hi Robin, Welcome to Romancing History! I couldn’t agree more, I don’t think there is a time period in American history that doesn’t interest me. If the story is well-written and the hero makes me swoon, I’m all in! Thanks for visiting and good luck in the giveaway!
Lisa Kelley
Hey Kelly. I actually don’t have a favorite time period, but books focusing on times of war do offer a little extra something. If war is happening, then there is that tension the separation causes. If it’s just over, there is usually the wounded hero who needs special care that is always heart warming.
romancinghistory
Hi Lisa, So fun to see you here on my Romancing History blog! Since you’re especially drawn to stories set during or post war, you’ll really like these stories! In each story, the hero and heroine are opposite sides of the conflict adding additional tension to the romance thread. Good luck in the giveaway!
Rory
I enjoy all of the history in this country. I love the early war times and Indian stories. I read all historical books I love learning something new and stepping back into history. Thanks for a chance.
romancinghistory
Hi Rory, Welcome to Romancing History! I’m with you, I read almost exclusively historical romance and time slip, but will read some contemporary books by good friends. Good luck in the drawing!
Amanda Geaney
I like biblical fiction all the way through to WWII historical fiction. It’s difficult to choose a favorite period, but I do have a few favorite authors.
Biblical Fiction – Mesu Andrews, Tessa Afshar, Lynn Austin
Roman History – Nancy Kimball, Francine Rivers (A Voice in the Wind), Carole Towriss
American Frontier – Lori Benton, Laura Frantz
Civil War Era – Jocelyn Green, Tamera Alexander, Jennifer Chiaverini
WWII – Sarah Sundin, Sigmund Brouwer
Dual Timeline – Heidi Chiavaroli, Kristy Cambron, Susan Meissner
romancinghistory
Hi Amanda, Welcome to Romancing History! I agree it is hard to pick one time period. I love it all! That is a fantastic list of authors you put together! Good Luck in the drawing!
Melissa S
Hello! I like most historical time periods but my Favorite is Western Historical mid-late 1800s.
romancinghistory
Hi Melissa, Welcome to Romancing History! I like westerns too, especially anything by Karen Witemeyer! She’s amazing! Good luck in the drawing!
Sharon Sparks
Hi, Kelly. I’m so excited to see this Giveaway! Angela is a new-to-me author. Recently, I discovered her first novel in the Hearts at War series, The Scarlet Coat. And I am a fan! I only have about 20 more pages to read, and I keep putting it off because I don’t want the story to end! Oh, Andrew. He’s going to be right up there on my list of all-time favorite heroes. I’m so looking forward to all of the novels in this series.
My favorite settings are the Revolutionary War and Post-Civil War. Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of historical fiction set before and after the Revolutionary War, and I have enjoyed every one, especially those set around 1788 — for some reason.
romancinghistory
Hi Sharon, welcome to Romancing History! I’m so glad that you love The Scarlet Coat. Andrew is definitely swoon-worthy! This whole series is wonderful and this last book is set in 1785 so I think it will be right up your alley! Good luck in the drawing!
Angela K. Couch
Sharon, I am so glad to hear you loved Andrew! <3 Hope you enjoy the rest of these stories.
Caryl Kane
One of my favorite eras to read about is Regency.
romancinghistory
Hi Caryl, The Regency era is a lot of fun with all the stodgy rules for society and the wonderful dresses! I love watching BBC period dramas set during the Regency era, too!
Debbie Clatterbuck
I also love the Civil War era and two of my favorite Civil War authors are also Jocelyn Green and Stephania McGee. I am currently reading Stephania’s book, In His Eyes, and loving it.
romancinghistory
Hi Debbie, Great minds think a like! Thanks for visiting Romancing History today!
Karen L Smidt
My favorite time period to read a book in is the middle ages.
romancinghistory
Hi Karen, I haven’t read many books set during the middle ages. Who is your favorite author writing in that time period? Thanks for visiting the blog. Good luck in the drawing!
Mandy Bentley
My favorite time period to read about is the Civil War Era, however, the Revolution is quickly growing on me.
romancinghistory
I’m with you, Mandy. If you haven’t read any of Angela’s books, I think you’ll love this series!
Alison Boss
I like the Regency period. Thanks for this FANTASTIC giveaway!
romancinghistory
Hi Alison, you’re welcome! I’m convinced folks will love this series and winning only book #4 just isn’t fair! I love the Regency era, too! Huge Jane Austen fan! But for contemporary authors, I’d have to say Julie Klassen is my go-to author. Thanks for visiting and good luck in the drawing!
Joan Arning
I like the Civil War period.
romancinghistory
Hi Joan, I agree that is probably my favorite if I have to pick just one. My go-to authors here would be Jocelyn Green and Stephania McGee but there is a new voice I haven’t read yet but want to– Tara Johnson! Thanks for stopping by!
Judy Welbaum
I love the 1700-1800’s. They had to love more fearsomely then. Today they think if it doesn’t work out just get a divorce!
romancinghistory
Hi Judy! Thanks for visiting the blog today! Good point. You’ll see that same tenacity between Angela’s heroes and heroines! Life was simpler but harder and made you focus on what was important. Thanks for visiting the blog today!